Karos replied with a grumble. It wasn’t enough to hurt him now. Since the day he was born, he had heard such words more than his own name.

“But she’s my secretary. Don’t cause unnecessary trouble.”

“Hmph. For now, I’m also your subordinate. I won’t stir up rebellion for no reason. But remember, Karos. I haven’t forgotten what you did to me. Once this punishment from the Great Demon King is over, I will kill you.”

“Do as you please. But whether you kill me or seal me later, for now, follow my orders. I am the Demon King.”

Karos retorted in the face of Bathesia’s sharp words. In response, Bathesia snorted and said,

“Why? Just because I stepped down from the Demon King’s position, do you think I’ve lost that judgment? Don’t forget, Karos, I started from the same land as you and built my experience from there. Don’t forget that.”

“Really? Are the conditions the same between you and me?”

Karos chuckled. Bathesia’s powerful magic was something he didn’t possess. Moreover, their timing was different, and almost everything else was different. It was absurd to think that their conditions were the same.

“You really don’t know anything. You’re like an academy dropout.”

“Screw you! You bastard!”

Karos’s words made Bathesia furious. Bathesia used to call Karos a lowlife and a weakling, and Karos would tease Bathesia as a dropout from the academy. Their repertoire of insults revolved around these themes. Bathesia growled.

“You think you’re great just because you did a little better…”

“Not a little. I excelled in other areas. I just didn’t shine in magical lineage.”

“Ridiculous! Do you think my experience is like some academy lecture? Don’t talk nonsense!”

The two of them argued for a while, standing still. Bathesia’s control of magic was outstanding, but apart from that, almost everything else was considered subpar by Karos.

After a while, Bathesia snorted.

“Alright, let’s do it this way. Karos, follow my orders this time. And use your own judgment. Let’s see who has better judgment! Of course, it’ll be me, but…”

“Sure. Go ahead and try. But remember one thing.”

Karos pressed his thumb firmly against Bathesia’s forehead.

“If you fail, from then on, you’ll obey my orders without question. Swear on your name.”

“As much as you want! I, the former Demon King Bathesia Concretia, swear on my name! If I make a wrong decision under my judgment, I will follow the judgment of Demon King Karos thereafter! There, done!”

“Good. Looking forward to you whining later.”

“You’ll be the one whining! Move it, demon!”

Karos and Bathesia started walking, bickering as they passed through the thick bushes.

**** ****

Goblins. They were smaller than humans and used crude weapons. They weren’t particularly strong, but they possessed excellent reproductive abilities and a certain level of intelligence, allowing them to occupy a portion of the continent.

That’s why they often became the first target when a Demon King descended to the surface. They weren’t too weak, and their numbers were just right for establishing a base.

Karos hid behind a tree, observing the goblin encampment. Several burly goblins stood guard with weapons, while young goblins played within the camp.

“Hmm. There seem to be around three hundred of them. More than I expected…”

Karos muttered as he surveyed the surroundings. Bathesia, with a clueless expression, spoke up.

“Do you really know all that?”

“What did you learn, exactly? We’ve learned how to estimate based on factors like terrain, fortress size, and so on.”

“I don’t remember that…”

Bathesia scratched her head and replied. Karos furrowed his brow, looking at the goblin encampment again. There was no need to waste emotions on this; it wasn’t a particularly challenging task. Karos mused,

“Anyway, it might be difficult this time. It’s quite a lot. It could be challenging to subjugate them.”

There were various methods for a Demon King to subjugate monsters. Those with their physical power could choose one of them for a duel, or creatures with high intelligence could be manipulated through strategies and negotiations. Each used their abilities as suited.

However, there weren’t any specific methods for goblins. They could fight or be coerced through words. They were a peculiar species, and the more there were, the harder it became to deal with them.

“Why are you hesitating? Just show your strength and make them submit, it’s just goblins.”

Bathesia scoffed at Karos. Karos waved his hand as if Bathesia were bothersome.

“Don’t talk nonsense. Do you know how many Demon Kings have died just underestimating goblins?”

“Are you comparing me to those lowly Demon Kings? How amusing. Anyway, for now, follow my orders. Come on!”

Without waiting for Karos’s response, Bathesia dashed out of the bushes. Karos watched her in bewilderment before getting up.

“This lunatic…”

“Listen, goblins! I am the former Demon King Bathesia Concretia! I command you! Kneel down and pledge your obedience to the Demon King Karos!”

Bathesia shouted with a raised fist, her voice filled with magic. Her proclamation echoed through the area, shaking the surroundings.

“Gee-ick! Gee-ick!”

“Kyaaah!”

The goblins ran about in panic. Karos rushed out and grabbed Bathesia’s head.

“Oh, for real!”

“Ah, stop touching my head!”

“For heaven’s sake, could you please stay still?”

While monsters and Demon Kings had a divine relationship, they respected each other. They didn’t treat their subordinates disrespectfully. What Bathesia had just done was completely unjustified, even if goblins were attacking.

Bathesia grimaced and waved her hand.

“This is my way! I told you to follow my orders! Don’t interfere!”

“…You’ll regret this.”

Karos let out a weary laugh. Once they regained their senses, the goblins had gathered around. They surrounded the two, their young and wary eyes fixed on them. It was dangerous. Bathesia might not be in danger with their numbers, but it could upset the balance of the forest. In that case, they would need to revise their plans.

After a brief silence, the goblins all kneeled.

“Keek, we pledge our loyalty to our master!”

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!